Determinants of Airborne Concentrations of Volatile Organic Compounds in Rural Areas of Western Canada

This study estimated the level and determinants of air concentrations of 26 selected volatile organic compounds (VOC) in rural Western Canada. A multi-site, multi-month unbalanced two-factorial design was used to collect air samples at fixed sites from April 2001 to December 2002.;This thesis presents the first comprehensive statistical models of VOC concentrations and their determinants in rural Western Canada. These models can help in development of air pollution control measures and design of studies investigating health effects of VOC.;Our results indicate that VOC levels were low. Three mixtures of VOC were identified in factor analysis. Factor I was a group of short-living VOC mainly emitted from oil and gas operation and combustion. Factor II was a group of vegetation-related VOC. Factor III was a group of chlorinated VOC. Proximity to batteries was most influential in determining concentrations of components of Factor I, followed by gas and oil wells.